Big Fish spread their nets wide

A POOL containing some of the country's most senior freelance PR people has come together to form a new virtual network. Entitled AllBigFish, with its HQ in Manchester, the 60-strong consultancy is the brainchild of former Harrison Cowley board director Denise Mullen.

A POOL containing some of the country's most senior freelance PR people has come together to form a new virtual network.

Entitled AllBigFish, with its HQ in Manchester, the 60-strong consultancy is the brainchild of former Harrison Cowley board director Denise Mullen.

The agency consists of freelance PR practitioners who pool resources when a client or task requires it anywhere in the country.

Ms Mullen is now chief executive of the new agency and, with five fellow directors, has brought together a hand-picked team of senior consultants across England and Wales, with a significant London presence.

She said: "Most clients only see senior people when they are being courted, when there is a review or when something goes wrong. Traditionally set up agencies often can't afford to do it any differently.

"Their board directors and associate directors are spread too thinly. We can afford to give clients the level of service they want at a price they can afford.

"Because we don't have strings of offices and cars and 24/7 salaries to pay we can offer a senior team that will work shoulder to shoulder with clients."

Former head of public affairs network PPS North Keith Butterick, is one of AllBigFish's founder affiliates.

Also on board is Sue Souter, former HC Edinburgh associate director, who said: "We engineered a `soft' launch for AllBigFish as it was important for us to test the model thoroughly. and iron out any kinks. Consequently, to date our clients have been generated through word of mouth."